Mt. Moriah celebrates 190 years

By Mary Alice Beatty Carmichael                                                          

 

“The Little Church That Would Not Die,” Mount Moriah Fellowship Baptist Church that straddles the line of Butler and Wilcox County, is celebrating its 190th year with its once-a-year church service and Homecoming, Church Worship Service, and Dinner on the Ground.

The Worship Service will begin at 11 a.m.  Please come early enough to take your covered dish to the food arbor behind the church.  The Church is located on Mt. Moriah Drive between Forest Home and Pine Apple.  Presiding will be Beatty P. Carmichael, Sr. of Birmingham.

Speaker for the 190th year service is Rev. George M. Farnell of Mobile, whose family’s roots are deep in this church and community. Some of his Mt. Moriah ancestors arrived during the Mississippi Territory period, others, during the Alabama Territory period.

Rev. Farnell, a native of Mobile, is a member of the Community of Christ under which he was ordained as an Evangelist. Prior to that career, his earlier career was with the Department of Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management and as Logistics Officer with the US Air Force.

He received the Secretary of Defense Medal of Meritorious Service and is Professor Emeritus, Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management.  He has served on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame representing the 1st Congressional District and was a continuing guest lecturer on Contemporary Religious Faith at the University of Mobile.

George and his wife Grace have recently celebrated 54 years of marriage. They have two children and six grandchildren.  He enjoys reading, teaching, hunting, fishing, and playing with his grandchildren

Music Director and song leader is Jennifer Stuckey Ellis of Baton Rouge. The “Yeldell Yellers,” made up of far-scattered members of the church, will provide some of the music during the Dinner on the Ground.